Warnings issued about smart surveillance cameras in China

China's quality watchdog has issued warnings about the general quality of smart surveillance cameras, including their vulnerability to hacking.

A screenshot of CCTV shows smart surveillance cameras on display. [Photo: sina.com]

Recent testing of 40 kinds of smart surveillance cameras by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has found that 32 of them have quality and safety concerns.

Issues include access and data protection, including a lack of security which could make the cameras vulnerable to hacking, the administration warned on its official website.

A report by CCTV.com on June 18, 2017 has found that individuals can purchase system-cracking software online, and then remotely control other people's smart surveillance cameras. Sellers can even provide the IP addresses of the cracked cameras for the buyers to choose.

A screenshot of CCTV shows IP addresses of the cracked surveillance cameras for sale on the internet. [Photo: sina.com]

China's safety watchdog is warning consumers to be aware of the risks. It recommends users update their systems and passwords in a timely manner.

Smart surveillance cameras are becoming increasingly popular in China, as the systems allow for people to monitor their homes through apps on their smartphones.

Many of them also support voice conversation features, as well as video sharing and alarms.